By MARY SELL, Alabama Daily News
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama House on Thursday approved a bill giving the state department of health more authority in enforcing lead paint clean-up laws.
The state already has a process contractors are to use when renovating homes with lead-based paint, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said it’s lacked teeth.
Senate Bill 158 by Sen. Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, would fine contractors up to $5,000 per day for violations of the 1997 Alabama Lead Reduction Act.
On the House floor Thursday, Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, said the bill keeps enforcement control with the state instead of the U.S. Environment Protection Agency.
“That state’s going to control it, and not the crazy federal government,” Pringle said.
The bill does not apply to people making renovations in their own homes.
The fees start at $250 per day for a first offense.
The Home Builders Association of Alabama was supportive of the bill.
The bill now goes to the governor.